KEDO and DPRK Conduct Commercial Flight 7/19/2002
The Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have agreed to conduct an inaugural flight between Sondok Airport in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Yangyang Airport in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on July 20, 2002 as a first step toward opening direct air service between those two airports.

The chartered service will operate irregularly, and only upon the request of KEDO as the demand occurs. Air Koryo, the DPRK’s national air carrier, will provide the aircraft for the charter flight. Decisions to continue the service will be made following conclusion of this test flight.

This air route will be used on a contingency basis, including for emergency medical evacuation, and will complement the current sea route between Sokcho (ROK) and Yangwha (DPRK) ports used to transport KEDO personnel and materials to and from the LWR project site in Kumho.